Bad side effects OF Fanfiction and Watching anime

[sayoeimomo]

I been doing a lot of fanifction reading laty and I nocited. When I read for hours and hours on the computer once I stop I am sorta like a zombie. What has happoned to you from watching to much anime or reading to much fanfiction ?:catgirl:

[Odin M Yggdrasi]

My nerd instincts have gotten corrupted and are generally falling apart. They'll come back though since I am finally going back to my tinkerings after a 2-year break.

I still do like to RP

[Goodbye, Face]

[font=arial][size=1]It might have something to do with 99% of fanfiction writers being ridiculously bad at their craft. That more than likely has the same mind-numbing effect as watching reality tv, haha.

Seriously, though. Too much sitting around without enough movement, forcing your brain to make sense of colored lights all day is probably bad for you. [i]Probably.[/i][/font][/size]

[Aethon_Liam]

This happens to me all the time. Especially after watching a movie or reading a book that I was really into.

I explain it like this, you get so emersed in the world you're reading/watching about, that you lose focus of your own suroundings. You eventually become so distant from this world, that you find it "hard" to come back. Thus, the zombieness. You forget what time of day it is, you forget where you are, you might even forget what day, month or year it is. You can even forget names of people. (I've done all of the above... except forgeting what year it was... but I'm probably on my way.)

Everyone experiences this in some form or fashion. Some people just don't get as distant from this world as others.

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR="DarkOrange"]If you are reading fanfiction there is already something wrong with your brain. [/COLOR]

[Japan]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Perhaps you are reading poorly written ones because your spelling is horrendous. Try reading let's see, a classic novel with the same aspects of romance, action or fantasy that you like and I'm sure you will not become like a zombie.[/COLOR]

[Doublehex]

[quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]If you are reading fanfiction there is already something wrong with your brain. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I have to disagree with that. Fanfiction is a way for us hopeful writers to take a bold step into the realm of writing. There are characters and a universe already established, leaving us with the task of crafting a story. Its a good way to practice your skills, and a good way to learn how to take criticism. The only bad part about fan fictions is, like what Calmsong said, most of them are bad. Really bad. You have to go on a search on par of Arthur's quest for the holy grail to find any stories that just reek with excellence.

[Japan]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]There is a big difference between hopeful writers and those who just can't write.[/COLOR]

[Allamorph]

[quote name='Matt']I have to disagree with that. Fanfiction is a way for us hopeful writers to take a bold step into the realm of writing. There are characters and a universe already established, leaving us with the task of crafting a story. Its a good way to practice your skills, and a good way to learn how to take criticism. The only bad part about fan fictions is, like what Calmsong said, most of them are bad. Really bad. You have to go on a search on par of Arthur's quest for the holy grail to find any stories that just reek with excellence.[/quote]
[FONT=Arial]I, on the other hand, will have to disagree with [I]you[/I]. (Pleasantly, of course.)

Using a preestablished character is inadvisable because in order to use the character effectively one has to understand them on an almost intimate level, which is something most fledgling writers will be incapable of doing. And unless they are told to play true to the character, they won't get any better at it. Starting with one's original forces one to play them true.

(The same applies to using another's universe?though not to the same degree, I feel.)

Also, most young fanfiction writers don't want good criticism, though they may say otherwise. They see only the scene(s) they want to happen, and very few care enough to attempt to improve on the process of getting there. Usually if young writers get good, hard criticism, they wilt and lose heart.


To the thread point, it's basically just the lack of movement. You could make a case for your mind trying to separate itself from the "other" reality, but I think that's a subjective situation.


And [COLOR="DarkRed"]Japan[/COLOR], the only difference between the hopefuls and the "can't"s is that the former wants to learn. Don't be so callous. (And try tact. It helps.)[/FONT]

[Shy]

[size=1]I know that when I read my own fan-fiction I start to believe that I'm a terribly handsome cowboy assassin in real life. Sadly that is not the case (I don't even own a cowboy hat, for one.)

-Shy[/size] :(

[Aberinkula]

[COLOR="Olive"][B]DB [/B]and [B]Allamorph [/B]have the best points yet. Then again, I know those two more than I know most other people in this thread, but still.

EDIT: It's okay Shy. If you're ugly, we won't respect you any less. :p [/COLOR]

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR="DarkOrange"]This is coming from someone who's written more than his fair share of fanfiction (Zelda, Naruto, and most of all Tales of Symphonia - I was actually famous for my legendary ToS porn) in my young life - fanfiction is bad.

Don't get me wrong. People have written good fanfiction. I've heard of a novel-length fanfiction sequel to Haibane Renmei that I plan to read when I finish the show which is supposedly really great. But I tell you know - this is one drop of water in an ocean the width of the Pacific. Fanfiction is horrible.

I know this for a fact, because when I log onto my computer and go into my backfiles, I can see some of my own fanfiction. And it is NOT good. Mind you, I am still the Almighty God of pornography for making the ToS characters do things you couldn't have possibly imagined (that thing had over 8000 hits, swear to god. My ****ing blog only has like a fifth of that. And, at the time of writing it, I'd never actually seen 2 people having sex! not even anime!) but still.

Though I agree it Can help aspiring writers. After all, after all the praise for my porn story I started writing a lot more. Unfortuanetally I'm only good at writing porn. And since the only porn I like these days is gay porn, it's really no help.[/COLOR]

[Shy]

[quote name='Revolver'][COLOR="Olive"]It's okay Shy. If you're ugly, we won't respect you any less. :p [/COLOR][/QUOTE][size=1]No, I'm actually pretty damn good looking. It's mostly the lack of owning a cowboy hat that keeps me from living out my fantasies.

-Shy[/size]

[eleanor]

[quote name='Japan_86'][COLOR="DarkRed"]There is a big difference between hopeful writers and those who just can't write.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[font="trebuchet ms"]That's a sort of rash thing to say. A lot of hopeful writers can't write well, but they learn how to with practice. Someone who takes the time out of their day to sit down and write something in their spare time is at least ambitious and makes good use of a hobby.

But on the topic of fanfiction... everyone knows most of it is bad, but there is a wealth of well-written fanfiction and talented writers who just do it for fun. A lot of it is on locked LJ communities you have to apply to in order to submit things, and if you pilfer through some of the community stuff you can find worthwhile stories. Some of these 'fanfiction' writers are generally just great at writing.

But whenever I do too much of anything I turn into a zombie. Whether it be watching tv all day or non-stop studying; doing things for an extended period of time just makes you exhausted.[/font]

[quote name='Japan_86'][COLOR="DarkRed"]Perhaps you are reading poorly written ones because your spelling is horrendous. Try reading let's see, a classic novel with the same aspects of romance, action or fantasy that you like and I'm sure you will not become like a zombie.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[font="trebuchet ms"] Reading books all day can make you a zombie, too. Just because it's famous doesn't mean it's an activity that can tire out your brain. I mean I love reading, but there are times I just read all day and I become sort of dead. And knocking those who read fanfiction as ill-read people, or at least hinting at it is sort of misguided. I read fanfiction, but I've read tons of great novels too.[/font]

[Nerdsy]

[quote name='Shy'][size=1]I know that when I read my own fan-fiction I start to believe that I'm a terribly handsome cowboy assassin in real life. Sadly that is not the case (I don't even own a cowboy hat, for one.)

-Shy[/size] :([/QUOTE]

[color=deeppink]Now I know what to get you for Christmas![/color]

[Odin M Yggdrasi]

Ok, I'm coming back to you now after a marathon read covering Death Note chapters 60-80.

And definately, a good plotline is addicting, resulting in a zombie-mode. In fact after this post I'll probably read more of it.

What I find interesting though is how I always want to know what happens next, but certain anime and manga series also will produce a certain mood- for example Death Note puts me in a mood suitable to mastermind RP plots.

[Horendithas]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='sayoeimomo;793201]I been doing a lot of fanifction reading laty and I nocited. When I read for hours and hours on the computer once I stop I am sorta like a zombie. What has happoned to you from watching to much anime or reading to much fanfiction ?:catgirl:[/QUOTE]Others have already said it, but too much of anything will do that to you, not just fanfiction and watching anime or reading. Good or bad quality, both will turn you into a zombie if you watch or too much.[QUOTE=Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]I, on the other hand, will have to disagree with [I]you[/I]. (Pleasantly, of course.)

Using a preestablished character is inadvisable because in order to use the character effectively one has to understand them on an almost intimate level, which is something most fledgling writers will be incapable of doing. And unless they are told to play true to the character, they won't get any better at it. Starting with one's original forces one to play them true.

(The same applies to using another's universe?though not to the same degree, I feel.)[/FONT][/QUOTE]And I will turn around and disagree with you. Using a pre-established character is a good start for someone who is new to writing since the basics of their personality as well as the environment are already there for the writer to play around with. Just ask Rach, the same is done with composing, they are encouraged to take an existing popular melody and alter it and produce a piece as a means to practice. The same goes for writing. It's a hell of a lot less intimidating to play with an existing story than it is to attempt to completely create your own.

It doesn't matter if they are capable of understanding the characters on an intimate level, that's something that if they really are serious about, comes with time and practice. The only danger here is never moving past using someone else character, or never attempting to break the mold. But by no means should people steer away from it altogether. [quote name='Allamorph;793246][FONT=Arial]Also, most young fanfiction writers don't want good criticism, though they may say otherwise. They see only the scene(s) they want to happen, and very few care enough to attempt to improve on the process of getting there. Usually if young writers get good, hard criticism, they wilt and lose heart.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Don't confuse kids just having fun with people who really are attempting to write a good fan fiction. And so what if some of them never want to improve? It is after all, for a lot of them, nothing more than something they do for fun. Plus there's no reason why you can't give them good criticism such as spelling and grammar issues without slamming them on everything that is off in the story. If it's obvious that they are new to it, then simply tailor your criticism to match what they are ready to deal with instead of completely and totally nit picking every little mistake. That discourages them more than anything. [quote name='Revolver'][COLOR="Olive"']EDIT: It's okay Shy. If you're ugly, we won't respect you any less. :p [/COLOR][/quote]Go back and check the thread where people posted their pictures Rev, Shy is anything but ugly. lol He's one of the cutest guys in the entire thread.

Anyway, in the end if you're turning into a zombie from reading fan fiction, and watching anime, then it's time to get off your butt and go do something else for a while. If you have a dog take them on a walk, or if you're into DDR do that for a while. Anything but sitting and watching a screen of some kind. [/COLOR]

[Veritas]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][COLOR=gray]Well to begin with I'm kinda zombie-ish normally, but with me it doesn't really matter what it is, anime, movies, books, games, I don't really read fan fiction, although I have in my younger days. After I watch or read something my thoughts are caught up in the story, I just try break down the story from every angle, the parts that I liked, the parts that I'd change, what I think the characters are doing after the story ends. There is so much stuff to think about that I lose most sense of reality, and I just tend to sit, stare and think. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][COLOR=gray]Especially after I finish a story, I sit there and think about it almost constantly. I guess it's a coping mechanism for me, a way to fill the void of finishing something. Although I do it to the point that I almost drive myself insane, then I go find another story, anime, or game to occupy my time. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][COLOR=gray]It's a nasty cycle I tell you, it's almost like drugs I say, drugs....[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Desbreko]

[color=#4B0082]Sometimes when I'm playing video games, watching anime or reading I become completely focused on what I'm doing with very little awareness of anything around me. It's actually kind of cool when it happens, though, because along with that heightened focus comes tighter reflexes (mainly while playing games), faster reading speed, and a sharper perception of details. I've nicknamed it trance, after the ability in Final Fantasy IX, 'cause I'm a dork that way.[/color]

[Doublehex]

[quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]I've nicknamed it trance, after the ability in Final Fantasy IX, 'cause I'm a dork that way.[/color][/QUOTE]

Yes, but you're the shining god of dorks, so we shall all come to forgive you. After you bake us some apple pie. :)

[Roxie Faye]

[quote name='Aethon_Liam']This happens to me all the time. Especially after watching a movie or reading a book that I was really into.

I explain it like this, you get so emersed in the world you're reading/watching about, that you lose focus of your own suroundings. You eventually become so distant from this world, that you find it "hard" to come back. Thus, the zombieness. You forget what time of day it is, you forget where you are, you might even forget what day, month or year it is. You can even forget names of people. (I've done all of the above... except forgeting what year it was... but I'm probably on my way.)

Everyone experiences this in some form or fashion. Some people just don't get as distant from this world as others.[/QUOTE][color=#9933ff]I totally agree with A_L. This happens to me too when I read a really good book (HP #4, Otherland, Kite Runner - yes I liked it, let's not argue please. pls? k thx!), or I've just finished watching one of those really moving episodes of FullMetal Alchemist.

I totally get emotionally involved when I read, and sometimes when I'm watching something moving. You're not alone, sayoeimomo. =)

I get that way sometimes when I read good fanfiction. Usually that happens when it's a semi-angsty introspective piece with too much description/thoughts and not enough dialog.


I don't understand how you guys can ave such awful fanfiction experiences. I have TONS and TONS of really good recs for Harry Potter, Digimon, Weiss Kreuz, Count Cain, House MD, Pirates (well, if you like Sparrington).

I'm going to agree that, yeah, a lot of it is on livejournal communities, but many of them also post on ff.n. And I've never met a fanfic lj comm that was locked, other than pornish pixies, and that was because of the recent lj purge. (I'm so mad! I used to lurk for some really cool PWPs!)

BTW, if you're looking for good fanfiction, the Weiss Kreuz fandom has a ridiculous proportion of good stories to total stories. There are more good than bad. The fanfiction is the only redeeming quality of Weiss Kreuz - seriously. (Well, and maybe the OVAs)[/color]

[b]Edit:[/b] [quote name='2007DigitalBoy'] Mind you, I am still the Almighty God of pornography for making the ToS characters do things you couldn't have possibly imagined (that thing had over 8000 hits, swear to god. My ****ing blog only has like a fifth of that. And, at the time of writing it, I'd never actually seen 2 people having sex! not even anime!) but still.[/quote][color=#9933ff]*snerk* I find that amusing. Loves it. XP[/color]

[Guest The Blue Jihad]

The result? You cease to know good writing from bad writing.

[Rachmaninoff]

[quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]Sometimes when I'm playing video games, watching anime or reading I become completely focused on what I'm doing with very little awareness of anything around me. It's actually kind of cool when it happens, though, because along with that heightened focus comes tighter reflexes (mainly while playing games), faster reading speed, and a sharper perception of details. I've nicknamed it trance, after the ability in Final Fantasy IX, 'cause I'm a dork that way.[/color][/QUOTE]I get the same way after I reach a certain point when I'm practicing my music. I get totally focused and centered on the piece I'm working on, to the point that I literally tune out everything else. And once you're warmed up, getting those difficult points in the piece to play and flow correctly become a whole lot easier. I don't have a nifty nickname for it though. Heh. But I do love reaching that state when I'm practicing.

As for fanfiction... I don't read them so I couldn't say if they are bad or not, and since I don't plan on reading them anytime soon, I guess it doesn't really matter. I haven't read a single fanfiction at all. It just doesn't interest me. But like the others said, doing too much of anything can turn you into a zombie. It sounds like you need to step outside and take a walk for a bit. Or find other activities that are fun to do that don't have you siting and staring at a screen.

[sayoeimomo]

Really I do come a cross good fanfiction, but then there are the ones the are four hundred pages and drag out way to long. I do read books all the time and from my understand of them the way that they are step up leaves you in aw. I my self once in a while write fanfiction but, I re-edited it till is makes sence and the char. comes across almost perfect. Then there are the storys the just are wrong on so many levels. Yaio or Yuri between char.s that would never happon. I have seen a shippo/kagome story where he is still a pup. I came a cross a very well fanfiction on mediaminer.com author is Snickie tittle of story Scared Touch. Even though it was a Kurama/Kaogme story it was very well one-shot story. The once problem I have with is Kurama is not a weak and helpless. That really the one thing messed up wth the story. :animesigh

I only watch or read fanficiton when I come home from swimming for two or three hours. I'm not a zombie by any means but, I just enjoy relaxing with a good show I enjoy.

[quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"]Others have already said it, but too much of anything will do that to you, not just fanfiction and watching anime or reading. Good or bad quality, both will turn you into a zombie if you watch or too much.And I will turn around and disagree with you. Using a pre-established character is a good start for someone who is new to writing since the basics of their personality as well as the environment are already there for the writer to play around with. Just ask Rach, the same is done with composing, they are encouraged to take an existing popular melody and alter it and produce a piece as a means to practice. The same goes for writing. It's a hell of a lot less intimidating to play with an existing story than it is to attempt to completely create your own.

It doesn't matter if they are capable of understanding the characters on an intimate level, that's something that if they really are serious about, comes with time and practice. The only danger here is never moving past using someone else character, or never attempting to break the mold. But by no means should people steer away from it altogether. Don't confuse kids just having fun with people who really are attempting to write a good fan fiction. And so what if some of them never want to improve? It is after all, for a lot of them, nothing more than something they do for fun. Plus there's no reason why you can't give them good criticism such as spelling and grammar issues without slamming them on everything that is off in the story. If it's obvious that they are new to it, then simply tailor your criticism to match what they are ready to deal with instead of completely and totally nit picking every little mistake. That discourages them more than anything. Go back and check the thread where people posted their pictures Rev, Shy is anything but ugly. lol He's one of the cutest guys in the entire thread.

Anyway, in the end if you're turning into a zombie from reading fan fiction, and watching anime, then it's time to get off your butt and go do something else for a while. If you have a dog take them on a walk, or if you're into DDR do that for a while. Anything but sitting and watching a screen of some kind. [/COLOR][/QUOTE] I am far from a zombie like creature walking around looking for brains
:animeknow.. I work out five days a week lifting weights or on the swim team or studing or helping out with my school leadership program

[Starwind]

I have been forced to bare witness to the addictions of Fanfics and even sufferd from it once myself. It is for this reason I believe the there should be a surgeons general warning on all Fanfic sites.

[B]WARNING: MAY CAUSE PALE SKIN, INSOMINA, GLASSY EYES, EATING DISORDERS, ATTRACTION TO TERRIBLE WRITTING AND A GENRAL REFUSSAL TO LEAVE ONES COMPUTER![/B]

I'm starting the petion. Does anyone care to sign it for me? I've got cookies!